The Abolition of Man, perhaps C. S. Lewis’s most famous book, was published 75 years ago. In that book, Lewis argued that modern educational theories on the subjectivity of knowledge and moral relativism would give us people lacking in character. Those theories continue to flourish throughout American education and are particularly virulent in higher ed.

In honor of the anniversary of The Abolition of Man, Bloomsbury Press has published a book of essays on it. In a new Martin Center article, Raleigh-based writer Amanda Shreve reviews it. She writes,

Lewis’ cautions are even more needed today, as his warnings 75 years ago went largely unheeded. Now we find ourselves in the situation Lewis foresaw — men afraid of making moral judgments; people who will say ‘this is wrong/right for me, but who am I to say it is so for someone else?’ When objective truth is rejected, all foundation for virtue disappears.

Shreve finds some of the essays a bit disappointing, but praises others for illuminating and expanding upon Lewis’s thinking. “Some chapters feel like repeats” she writes,

“but others genuinely add a different dimension to Lewis’ arguments. At its best, the book showcases Lewis’ almost prophetic voice on the issue of subjective vs. objective truth, drawing from his different works to help flesh out important points.”

NRO readers who appreciate C. S. Lewis will enjoy this volume, but so will those who just want to better understand how our education system turned into such a toxic swamp.